Whether you’ve just moved to town or you’ve been there a while, you’re probably looking for cool shit to do. Maybe you want to make new friends or you just need to mix up your routine. But where the heck are you supposed to begin?
Join a Meetup
When I first moved to Cincinnati back in 2016, someone recommended Meetup to me. And I’m so glad they did, because I ended up finding the Cincinnati Bloggers Meetup and met some amazing people!
Meetup is a platform where you plug in your location and your hobbies, and it finds groups in your area to meet up with (get it?!). If you don’t find one you like, you can also start your own!
Check the Local Library
I’m a big fan of local libraries. Yes, they’re great for borrowing books (and I think reading at home qualifies as cool shit!), but many library systems also offer free events in your area!
My local library sends a calendar of events to all residents each quarter, and I’m always sure to glance through it. I’ve found a book club about racism, author talks, and even management workshops for free through my library!
Talk to Your Neighbors
This suggestion is definitely easier in the warmer months when people are actually outside, but it can be done year-round! As an introvert, I feel really awkward talking to people I don’t know, even if they’re my neighbors. But it helps!
When we first moved to Cincinnati, Sean and I were playing in the snow with Stanley when our neighbor looked over the fence and said “you guys like beer?” and invited us to a bar around the corner. They ended up being our closest friends in Cincinnati (and how we met the rest of our friend group!) and even traveled up to Michigan for our wedding.
Check with Your Leasing Office
If you live in an apartment complex, check with your leasing office to see about events coming up! One of my old apartment complexes hosted free monthly or quarterly meetups for residents, and they offered discount tickets to events in town, like hockey games.
This will very much depend on the size (and coolness, tbh) of your leasing office, but it can’t hurt to ask! And if enough people ask, who knows? Maybe they’ll start offering them.
Research Your City’s Tourism Organization
A lot of cities have a tourism organization that markets awesome things to do when you visit. Check out what resources they have available!
Discover Kalamazoo, for example, has a brewery passport, a calendar of events, and a list of 269 things to do in the (269) area code! Check to see if your local tourism board has similar guides.
Google Specific Topics
And finally, turn to good ole Google! Start with general searches, like “things to do in [city],” and then get more specific with what you’re interested in. If you like being active, try searching “[city] sport and social clubs.” Or if you like DIY projects, search “[city] pottery classes.” You never know what you may find!
Chances are, even if you live in a small town, there are plenty of cool things to do! You just have to know where to look.
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